National

HOUSTON — Various pastors along with several hundred people gathered outside Houston City Hall to protest a proposed ordinance that would expand anti-bias protections for gay and transgender residents.

Those who protested the ordinance Tuesday say the measure would infringe on their religious liberties to speak out against what they called the gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyle.

Supporters of the ordinance, including Mayor Annise Parker, who is openly gay, say the measure is about offering protections at the local level against all forms of discrimination.

The proposal would consolidate city bans on discrimination based on sex, race, age and religion, and increase protections for gay and transgender residents.

The council was expected to vote on the proposed ordinance Wednesday. It's similar to a disputed one that passed last year in San Antonio.